Floating electrode holding apparatus

ABSTRACT

Apparatus is described for holding electrode rods in vertical positions in water around a vessel or structure for energization as a swimmer deterrent. The apparatus is characterized by a rectangular frame of tubular metal having legs at four corners that have floats fixed thereto, bumpers being fixed on two of the legs so as to bear against a structure when in a position of use, and to cooperate with two of the floats as a base when in a position of storage.

nite States atent, 1191 Bon [4 Feb. 4, 1975 [5 FLOATING ELECTRODE HOLDING 3,670,247 6/1972 Gutton et al 340/4 R APPARATUS 3,680,161 8/1972 Bladh 9/8 R Inventor: David R. Bon, Panama City, Fla.

Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy, Washinton, D.C.

Filed: Dec. 12, 1973 Appl. N0.: 424,236

US. Cl. 340/4 R, 9/8 R, 340/4 E Int. Cl B63b 21/52 Field of Search 340/2, 4 R, 5 R, 8 S, 4 E;

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 10/1969 Busenkell et al 9/8 R Primary Examiner-Richard A. Farley Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Richard S. Sciascia; Don D. Doty; Harvey A. David [57] ABSTRACT Apparatus is described for holding electrode rods in vertical positions in water around a vessel or structure for energization as a swimmer deterrent. The apparatus is characterized by a rectangular frame of tubular metal having legs at four corners that have floats fixed thereto, bumpers being fixed on two of the legs so as to bear against a structure when in a position of use, and to cooperate with two of the floats as a base when in a position of storage.

7 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures PATENTEI] FEB 4 I975 SHEET 10F 2 FIG. 2

1 FLOATING ELECTRODEIIOLDING APPARATUS STATEMENT OF GOVERNMENT INTEREST The invention described herein may be manufactured and used by or for the Government of the United States of America for-Governmental purposes without the payment of any royalties thereon or therefor.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates generally to the field of electrode holders, and more particularly to apparatus for supporting elongate electrode rods in water surrounding a ship, adjacent a pier, or the like, for use in generating an electrical field in the water as a deterrent to attach or other activities by enemy swimmers.

In the past, various expedients, both passive and active, have been utilized to deter swimmer activities around ships and piers. These have included the use of underwater floodlights, complex nets or fences, and periodic running of ships propellers. Of course, the use of lights has the obvious disadvantage during wartime of illuminating ships as prime targets for other than swimmers, e.g., aircraft. Nets and fences are difficult to deploy, hinder the ability of vessels to get underway rapidly, and can be penetrated with suitable cutting devices. Running of ships propellers creates noise and flow distrubances that inhibit most efficient use of other surveillance equipment, and is atbest limited in its effectiveness. Moreover, the mentioned techniques are generally capable of being used only when a ship is moored to a fixed pier in a harbor having various service facilities. It would be particularly desirable to provide protection for ships anchored at remote locations, as well.

It has been proposed that electrode means be provided for establishing an electrical field in water from which swimmers are to be excluded. The mere lowering of electrodes into the water from the rail of a vessel or along a pier has not proven satisfactory for several reasons, including action of currents displacing the electrodes from their desired positions, and electrical interaction with the metal hull of the supporting vessel because of their proximity thereto.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention aims to overcome some or all of the foregoing advantages and shortcomings of swimmer deterrent systems through the provision of novel and improved electrode supporting apparatus that is characterized by its ability to hold long, vertical electrodes in substantially fixed positions with respect to one another and to a protected vessel, pier, or other structure, through the provision of a light, rigid framework in combination with a unique arrangement of flotation and positioning means.

With the foregoing in mind, it is a principal object of the invention to provide an improved, floatable, electrode holding apparatus for maintaining a long, rod-like electrode in a predetermined position extending into a body of water on which the apparatus floats.

Another object of the invention is the provision of electrode holding apparatus of the foregoing character that are readily deployable individually, but are adapted to be used in groups or arrays, for example, to establish a desired zone of swimmer deterring protection about a pier, ship, or the like.

. Another object isthe provision of swimmer deterring electrode holding apparatus that is readily and inexpensively fabricated, are light in weight for ease in handling, and can be stacked or nested together in a reasonable amount of space for shipboard or yard storage between uses.

A further object of this invention is to provide electrode holding apparatus that is useable, without modification. in a large variety of situations.

Yet another object is to utilize commonly available materials, such as tubular aluminum or steel for a framework, and conveniently moldable closed cell plastic foam. such as polystyrene, for flotation and bumper elements.

Still another object is the provision of floatable apparatus having the above mentioned features, and which is designed to be particularly stable when in floating position, and yet can be readily up-ended for retrieval.

Other objects and many of the attendant advantages will be readily appreciated as the subject invention becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description, when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electrode holding apparatus embodying the invention;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the apparatus of FIG. 1, shown in a position of use;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary sectional view, on an enlarged scale, of a portion of the apparatus of FIG. I, as viewed substantially along line 3-3 thereof;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary sectional view, on an enlarged scale, of another portion of the apparatus of FIG. I, as viewed substantially along line 4-4 thereof; and

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic illustration of an array of apparatuses of FIG. I, in relation to a vessel to be protected.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT In the form of the invention illustrated in FIG. 1 and described hereinafter, there is provided an electrode holding apparatus 10 that is adapted to hold an elongated, metal electrode 12 in a substantially vertical position when the apparatus floats on a body of water. Apparatus 10 comprises a rigid, generally rectangular framework, preferably formed of welded steel, aluminum, or other tubular material. This framework includes a pair of spaced, parallel side members 14 interconnected by a transverse member 16 that is orthogonal to each of .the side members and fixed thereto, as by welding, at about one third of the lengths of the side members from what will be referred to as the proximal ends thereof, by reason of their locations next to a ship or the like when the apparatus is in use.

Each side member 14 has fixed to the proximal end thereof a float and bumper carrying leg member 20 having portions extending vertically below and above the respective side member 14 when apparatus 10 is in a normal position of use, with the side members horizontal. Cylindrical floats 22 are fixed on the downwardly extending portions of leg members 20, the character of which floats will be described more fully as the specification proceeds. Mounted on the upwardly extending portions of legs 20 are generally cylindrical bumpers 24.

At their distal ends, side members I4 are fixed to the upper ends of downwardly extending legs 28, to the lower ends of which are attached cylindrical floats 30, of considerably larger diameter than the diameter of floats 22, say on the order of four times larger. As is best illustrated in FIG. 2, floats 22 and 30 serve to support apparatus in a floating condition with respect to a body of water 32, with side members I4 horizontal and bumpers 24 disposed against a surface 34, which may be the hull of a ship, for example.

Supported between legs 28 is an electrode receiving sleeve member 38, preferably formed of the same metal or other rigid material as side members 14, transverse member 16, legs and legs 28. Sleeve member 38 is there supported, in a vertical position when apparatus 10 is in use, by transverse members 40 and diagonal struts 42 which are fixed, as by welding, to the sleeve member and to each of the respective legs 28. Further support for the upper end of sleeve member 38 is provided by a central member 44 extending therefrom to the center of transverse member 16, while additional support for the lower end of sleeve member 38 is provided by diagonal struts 46 extending therefrom to respective ones of side members 14.

As is best shown in FIG. 3, sleeve member 38 is provided with an electrode insulating member in the form of a tubular liner 50. Liner 50 is preferably formed from a suitably rugged dielectric material, such as nylon,'and is provided with a flange portion 50a overlying the upper edge of sleeve member 38. A nylon retainer ring 52 is seated 'in a groove in liner 50 below the lower end of sleeve 38, and serves to prevent the liner from being displaced upon withdrawal of an electrode 12 therefrom.

Electrode 12, which may conveniently comprise a metal pipe or rod having a threaded upper end, is slideable within liner 50. A metal connector member 54, having a liner engaging flange 54a, is threadedly engaged on the upper end of electrode 12, and serves to limit movement of the electrode downwardly through sleeve member 38. Connector member 54 is also provided with an apertured lug 54b to which a lug or terminal 56 of an electrical conductor or cable 58 is secured in conductive relation, as by a bolt 60.

Referring now to FIG. 4, the construction of a representative one of floats 30 is seen to comprise an annular core 70 of a rigid, low density material such as molded polystyrene plastic foam. Core 70 is encased in a durable, preferably waterproof shell 72, preferably formed of fiberglass reinforced plastic resin.

Leg 28 extends through a central opening 74 in float 30, and is provided with a flange 76 that serves to distribute forces carried by leg 28 over a substantial region of float 30. A retainer in the form of a flange member 78 is threadedly engaged on the end of leg 28.

Structure similar to that described with respect to float 30 in FIG. 4 may be used for each of the remaining floats 30 and 22, as well as for the bumpers 24 on legs 20. Alternatively, some or all of the floats and bumpers 22, 24, and 30 may comprise a hollow, resiliently flexible shell of molded plastic such as a vinyl, rubber, or the like, containing air or other gas as a cushioning element.

Pad eyes 80 and 82 are provided on sleeve member 38 and transverse member l6, respectively, for the connection of mooring lines, hand lines for positioning the apparatus, and for tethering a plurality of apparatuses 10 together to form an array of electrodes.

Apparatus 10 can be made in any size desired, commensurate with supporting an electrode of predetermined size at a predetermined location with respect to other electrodes and to a vessel or other structure to be protected. In the case of a practical embodiment for supporting electrodes formed of inch iron pipe, 2| feet in length, apparatus I0 was constructed to have a span of 2 feet 8 inches across side members I4 and a length of 5 feet from legs 20 to legs 28.

MODE OF OPERATION Referring now to FIG. 5, when it is desired to deploy electrically charged electrodes, say in a perimeter array about a ship for example, a number of apparatuses 10, equal to the number of electrodes 12 required for the desired array, are lowered over the side of the ship to the water by the use of handlines connected or tied to pad eyes 80, 82 and/or to any other convenient portions of the apparatuses. The lowering of apparatuses 10 may be accomplished either with or without electrodes 12 in place. In the latter case, electrode 12 can be later inserted and lowered into depending position by means of their respective cables 58.

Apparatuses 10 are moored or restrained, with floats 22 and bumpers 24 adjacent the hull surface 34 of ship 90 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, by means of suitable mooring lines (not shown). In some array configurations it is desirable to position apparatuses 10 in pairs as illustrated in FIG. 5, although various other array configurations are possible. Electrodes 12 are electrically energized via cables 58 from a suitable power source, to establish an electrical field in the water between electrodes of a pair, the details of which energization forms no part of this invention per se.

When it is desired to strike the array, electrodes 12 may be withdrawn, and apparatuses l0 hoisted from their floating positions to the deck of ship 90. Floats 22 and bumpers 24 on legs 20 serve as convenient supports for the apparatuses 10 when the latter are placed on deck with side members 14 extending upwardly. A large number of apparatuses 10 can be arranged for storage in a relatively small space when they are stood on end in that manner and with bumpers 24 of each interdigitated with floats 22 of an adjacent apparatus.

Obviously, other embodiments and modifications of the subject invention will readily come to the mind of one skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing description and the drawings. It is, therefore, to be understood that this invention is not to be limited thereto and that said modifications and embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

l. Electrode holding apparatus for supporting a rodlike electrode in a predetermined position in a body of water, said apparatus comprising:

a generally rectangular frame adapted to lie in a plane that is substantially parallel to the surface of said body of water when said apparatus is in a position of use, said frame comprising a pair of spaced. parallel, side members and a plurality of transverse members, said side and transverse members being formed of tubular metal;

a plurality of first legs extending from one end of said frame, orthogonal to said plane, and to one side thereof;

a plurality of second legs extending from the other end of said frame, orthogonal to said plane, and to both sides thereof;

flotation means, connected to said frame for supporting said frame in said plane, said flotation means comprising a plurality of first floats each fixed to a corresponding one of said plurality of first legs, a plurality of second floats each fixed to a corresponding one of said plurality of second legs, and said second floats being disposed on the end portions of said second legs extending to one side of said plane; sleeve member, comprising a tubular metal member carried by said frame substantially at one end thereof, said sleeve member being supported between first ends of said side members and defining an electrode receiving passage extending substantially normal to said plane;

electrode means, extending vertically through said sleeve member and into said body of water, for providing electrical contact with said body of water; and

said apparatus further comprising a liner of electrically insulating material disposed in said passage of said sleeve member so as to electrically insulate said electrode from said frame.

2. Apparatus as defined in claim 1, and further comprising:

a plurality of bumpers, each of said bumpers being fixed on an end portion of a corresponding one of said second plurality of legs extending to the side of said plane opposite said one side.

3. Apparatus as defined in claim 2, and wherein:

said second floats and said bumpers present surfaces lying in a second plane substantially normal to said plane in which said frame lies, whereby said second floats and said bumpers are adapted to bear against a vertical surface of a structure adjacent said body of water when said apparatus is in said position of use, and whereby said second floats and said bumpers serve as a base by which said apparatus can stand on a horizontal surface in a position of storage with said plane in which said frame lies extending vertically.

4. Apparatus as defined in claim 3, and wherein:

each of said legs is disposed at a corner of said frame.

5. Apparatus as defined in claim 4, and wherein:

said first and second floats are substantially cylindrical in configuration, said first floats being of a diameter that is at least several times the diameter of said second floats.

6. Apparatus as defined in claim 5, and wherein:

said apparatus further comprises means for mooring said apparatus; and

said apparatus is one of a plurality of substantially identical apparatuses arranged in a predetermined array wherein said electrodes are in predetermined spaced relations to one another.

7. Electrode holding apparatus for supporting an elongated electrode in a substantially vertical position extending downwardly into a body of water adjacent a structure presenting a substantially vertical wall extending above and below the surface of said body of water, said apparatus comprising:

a rectangular frame including laterally spaced. parallel side members having proximal and distal ends with respect to said vertical wall when said apparatus is in a position of use with said rectangular frame lying in a horizontal plane over said surface of said body of water;

said frame further including transverse members connecting said side members, a pair of first legs fixed to said proximal ends of said side members and having upper and lower portions extending respectively above and below said side members when in said position of use, and a pair of second legs fixed to said distal ends of said side members and having lower portions extending therebelow when in said position of use;

a pair offirst floats fixed to said lower portions of said first legs;

a pair of second floats to said lower portions of said second legs; said first floats each having a larger vertical dimension than horizontal dimension;

said second floats each having a larger horizontal dimension than vertical dimension;

a pair of bumpers fixed to said upper portions of said first legs, said bumpers and said first floats being adapted to bear against said vertical wall when said apparatus is in said position of use;

an electrode receiving sleeve member connected between said distal ends of said side members so as to hold said electrode in said vertical position;

said frame further including a plurality of diagonal struts connected between said side members and said sleeve member;

a tubular liner of electrically insulating material disposed in said sleeve member so as to electrically insulate said electrode from said frame, said liner comprising a radial flange overlying the upper end of said sleeve member; and

said electrode comprising an elongated cylindrical electrode member slideably received in said liner and a connector member fixed to the upper end of said electrode member, said connector member presenting a shoulder adapted to engage said flange of said liner, and means for electrically connecting said electrode member to an electrical supply cable. 

1. Electrode holding apparatus for supporting a rod-like electrode in a predetermined position in a body of water, said apparatus comprising: a generally rectangular frame adapted to lie in a plane that is substantially parallel to the surface of said body of water when said apparatus is in a position of use, said frame comprising a pair of spaced, parallel, side members and a plurality of transverse members, said side and transverse members being formed of tubular metal; a plurality of first legs extending from one end of said frame, orthogonal to said plane, and to one side thereof; a plurality of second legs extending from the other end of said frame, orthogonal to said plane, and to both sides thereof; flotation means, connected to said frame for supporting said frame in said plane, said flotation means comprising a plurality of first floats each fixed to a corresponding one of said plurality of first legs, a plurality of second floats each fixed to a corresponding one of said plurality of second legs, and said second floats being disposed on the end portions of said second legs extending to one side of said plane; a sleeve member, comprising a tubular metal member carried by said frame substantially at one end thereof, said sleeve member being supported between first ends of said side members and defining an electrode receiving passage extending substantially normal to said plane; electrode means, extending vertically through said sleeve member and into said body of water, for providing electrical contact with said body of water; and said apparatus further comprising a liner of electrically insulating material disposed in said passage of said sleeve member so as to electrically insulate said electrode from said frame.
 2. Apparatus as defined in claim 1, and further comprising: a plurality of bumpers, each of said bumpers being fixed on an end portion of a corresponding one of said second plurality of legs extending to the side of said plane opposite said one side.
 3. Apparatus as defined in claim 2, and wherein: said second floats and said bumpers present surfaces lying in a second plane substantially normal to said plane in which said frame lies, whereby said second floats and Said bumpers are adapted to bear against a vertical surface of a structure adjacent said body of water when said apparatus is in said position of use, and whereby said second floats and said bumpers serve as a base by which said apparatus can stand on a horizontal surface in a position of storage with said plane in which said frame lies extending vertically.
 4. Apparatus as defined in claim 3, and wherein: each of said legs is disposed at a corner of said frame.
 5. Apparatus as defined in claim 4, and wherein: said first and second floats are substantially cylindrical in configuration, said first floats being of a diameter that is at least several times the diameter of said second floats.
 6. Apparatus as defined in claim 5, and wherein: said apparatus further comprises means for mooring said apparatus; and said apparatus is one of a plurality of substantially identical apparatuses arranged in a predetermined array wherein said electrodes are in predetermined spaced relations to one another.
 7. Electrode holding apparatus for supporting an elongated electrode in a substantially vertical position extending downwardly into a body of water adjacent a structure presenting a substantially vertical wall extending above and below the surface of said body of water, said apparatus comprising: a rectangular frame including laterally spaced, parallel side members having proximal and distal ends with respect to said vertical wall when said apparatus is in a position of use with said rectangular frame lying in a horizontal plane over said surface of said body of water; said frame further including transverse members connecting said side members, a pair of first legs fixed to said proximal ends of said side members and having upper and lower portions extending respectively above and below said side members when in said position of use, and a pair of second legs fixed to said distal ends of said side members and having lower portions extending therebelow when in said position of use; a pair of first floats fixed to said lower portions of said first legs; a pair of second floats to said lower portions of said second legs; said first floats each having a larger vertical dimension than horizontal dimension; said second floats each having a larger horizontal dimension than vertical dimension; a pair of bumpers fixed to said upper portions of said first legs, said bumpers and said first floats being adapted to bear against said vertical wall when said apparatus is in said position of use; an electrode receiving sleeve member connected between said distal ends of said side members so as to hold said electrode in said vertical position; said frame further including a plurality of diagonal struts connected between said side members and said sleeve member; a tubular liner of electrically insulating material disposed in said sleeve member so as to electrically insulate said electrode from said frame, said liner comprising a radial flange overlying the upper end of said sleeve member; and said electrode comprising an elongated cylindrical electrode member slideably received in said liner and a connector member fixed to the upper end of said electrode member, said connector member presenting a shoulder adapted to engage said flange of said liner, and means for electrically connecting said electrode member to an electrical supply cable. 